8,000-Acre California Wildfire Drives Mass Evacuation

This years early summer heat brings a searing state of affairs to Southern California, as a monstrous, wind-driven brush fire sent thousands of Camarillo, CA, residents fleeing to the coast. The inferno began as a 10-acre blaze near Camarillo Springs Road early Thursday morning, and quickly spread 12.5 square miles, reaching the Pacific Coast Highway by 9 P.M. PST. Over 2,000 homes and 100 commercial properties are at risk of damage, reports Ventura County Fire Department spokesman Bill Nash. As of this morning, 15 homes have already been affected.

The wildfire is barreling along the Pacific Coast Highway with a rapid rate of destruction thats proving to be a challenge for fire fighters, Nash explained. Units have been staged along the highway, aiming to stop the flames before they reach the coastline. Approximately 925 firefighters from all over the region, equipped with choppers, dozers and engines, have been battling the blaze.

Residents of Camarillo Springs and Newbury Park in Ventura County were ordered to evacuate, in addition to those in a few targeted areas to the south. California State University Channel Islands, Sycamore Canyon Elementary School and Cypress Elementary School students and faculty were also instructed to vacate the premises. So far, two firefighters have sustained injuries, but no civilians have been harmed.

Do you know anyone who has been affected by the Camarillo brush fire? Comment below.

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